Zovirax is used for treating chickenpox (varicella) or shingles (herpes zoster) and treating or suppressing genital herpes infections. Zovirax is an antiviral. It works by stopping viral replication. However, Zovirax does not eliminate the virus, is not a cure, and does not prevent transmission to others.

INSTRUCTIONS

Use Zovirax as directed by your doctor!

Take Zovirax by mouth with or without food.

Drinking extra fluids while you are taking Zovirax is recommended. Check with your doctor for instructions.

Start therapy with Zovirax at the earliest sign or symptom of shingles or genital herpes (pain, burning, blisters).

If treating an acute outbreak, continue using Zovirax for the full course of treatment even if you feel better in a few days.

For suppressive therapy, Zovirax works best if it is taken at the same times each day.

If you miss a dose of Zovirax, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Zovirax.

STORAGE

Store Zovirax at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Zovirax out of the reach of children and away from pets.

MORE INFO:

Active Ingredient: Acyclovir

Do NOT use Zovirax if:

you are allergic to any ingredient in Zovirax or to valacyclovir

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Some medical conditions may interact with Zovirax. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding

if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement

if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances

if you have kidney problems or a weakened immune system.

Some medicines may interact with Zovirax. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

Medicines that may harm the kidney (eg, aminoglycoside antibiotics [eg, gentamicin], amphotericin B, cyclosporine, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs [NSAIDs] [eg, ibuprofen], tacrolimus, vancomycin) because the risk of kidney side effects may be increased. Ask your doctor if you are unsure if any of your medicines might harm the kidney.

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Zovirax may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

Important safety information:

Zovirax may cause drowsiness, dizziness, vision changes, or lightheadedness. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Zovirax with caution. Do not drive or perform other possible unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.

Zovirax may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting; alcohol, hot weather, exercise, or fever may increase these effects. To prevent them, sit up or stand slowly, especially in the morning. Sit or lie down at the first sign of any of these effects.

Zovirax may cause you to become sunburned more easily. Avoid the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths until you know how you react to Zovirax. Use a sunscreen or wear protective clothing if you must be outside for more than a short time.

Zovirax is not a cure for genital herpes and will not prevent the virus from spreading. Avoid sexual intercourse when sores are present to prevent infecting your partner. You can also be contagious and spread the herpes virus but not have any signs or symptoms at all. This is called asymptomatic viral shedding.

Lab tests, including kidney function and serum urea nitrogen (BUN), may be performed while you use Zovirax. These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.

Use Zovirax with caution in the elderly; they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially confusion, drowsiness, or hallucinations.

Zovirax is not recommended for use in children younger 2 years; safety and effectiveness in these children have not been confirmed.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Zovirax while you are pregnant. Zovirax is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Zovirax, check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects.

Check with your doctor if any of these most common side effects persist or become bothersome:

Diarrhea; general body discomfort; headache; nausea/vomiting.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these severe side effects occur: